four_or_six
Cricketer Of The Year
Apparently the 17-man squad is actually a 16-man squad. Hopefully that means no backup keeper, because that seems a waste of time.
Well, all he needs is overs, and he may as well get those at Notts as anywhere else. He's not going to make one of the 3 seamer spots, but the selectors hardly need to know more about him - hence would be a wasted space in both teams.Why is Sidebottom not in either warm-up team?
First interesting point - clearly, with Flintoff fit again, the Test XI is nailed down apart from the second spinner slot.
At first glance (ie the warm-up game line-up), Monty looks like he's been picked for that spot. But in fact, the preferable gig for a spinner wanting to make his case for inclusion is to be playing against the Aussies themselves for the Lions, rather than in some friendly game against an average county.
You can guarantee that Rashid will get a lot of overs in that game, and if he even does averagely well with the ball (runs a bonus), I reckon he'll be in the first Test.
As I say, I think Rashid is being given a chance to make a case for his inclusion by getting a few Aussies out.The team v Warwickshire is basically saying what the team in the first Test will be in my opinion.
True, under normal circumstances - but what sort of orders do with think Captain Bell will be sent along with? Certainly we need to know more about Rashid vs Aussie batsmen than about Saj bloody Mahmood.Not sure he'll get that many overs with 4 front line seamers in the side and New Road hasn't been great for spin this year, Chawla's the only one to have success there and even then his wickets weren't cheap.
fixed your postEven Durham played two spinners at Edgbaston - at best Panesar will keep it tight on that wicket.
Or they might maul him enough to send him back to fc for a few yearsAs I say, I think Rashid is being given a chance to make a case for his inclusion by getting a few Aussies out.
I agree with your point - just being facetious, after all Monty hasn't had the best of times even on bunsen burners in the last 12 months (outbowled by Benn, etc)Have a look at the game Durham just played there. Blackwell took 3 wickets and they couldn't get him off the square.
Now Sidey looks back to full pace, I'd say Onions is 5th in line...Cant imagine that Onions will play the first test as it would make little sense for the selectors to give the Aussies a chance to play against him beforehand